Cosmetics and breast cancer

Numerous studies have announced a connection between chemicals found in beauty products and breast cancer. These ingredients have included parabens, phthalates, synthetic musks, fragrances and aluminium. However, none of these studies have been conclusive and these substances are still permitted for use in cosmetics today.

Parabens have gained much media interest with claims that they can be absorbed through the skin and cause breast cancer. A study published in 2004 in the Journal of Applied Toxicology looked at 20 human breast tumour samples and found that parabens were present in 18 of them. However, many experts have raised concerns about the conclusions of this study.

Recently, there have been claims that aluminium in antiperspirants can cause breast cancer. Some researchers have suggested that aluminium can enter the breast via the underarms and promote tumour growth.

Lecturer in biological sciences University of Reading Dr Philippa Darbre has researched the possible link between antiperspirants and breast cancer. She asks why more than half of breast tumours are found in the upper outer quadrant by the arm. She said: "The hypothesis I'm working on is that it's the chemicals from cosmetics applied under the arm that are causing breast cancer."

Dr Darbre explains that deodorants and antiperspirants are suspect because they are applied so near to the breast but she no longer thinks only chemicals put under the arm pose danger:

 

Dr Darbre added: "There's no need for such nasty chemicals to be applied under our arms every day."

However, the majority of cancer charities in the UK maintain that cosmetics do not increase risk of cancer and ensure the public that they are safe to continue using all products.

Cancer Research UK science information officer Dr Laura Bell said: "Any risk that might exist would be very small because of the limited amount of product applied to the skin."

Dr Darbre said she can't understand why most cancer charities are giving out this message:

Breast Cancer UK chair Clare Dimmer believes that beauty products may contribute to breast cancer. The charity lobbies the government with work from UK and international scientists that point out problems with hormone disruptors and carcinogens in our everyday products.

Mrs Dimmer is interested in suggestions that chemicals such as parabens can look like oestrogen to the body which puts women at higher risk of getting breast cancer and is keen to find out the truth:

She added: "I wouldn't like to say it was just beauty products that gave me breast cancer but since my diagnosis I have been very careful with what products I use."

BC Action, a US breast cancer charity, believes that parabens and phthalates increase breast cancer risk. The charity puts pressure on manufacturers who support breast cancer awareness but also use these chemicals.

BC Action representative Alice Price-Styles said: "Some beauty companies use the image of breast cancer awareness to promote their products but are using chemicals which aren't helping the cause. They go in our pink hall of shame!"

The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade raises money for research and care. Avon also use parabens in their beauty products.

A spokesperson for Avon said: "Parabens are the best choice of preservative for many products and often the only option. We believe that replacing them with inferior alternatives could present a potential health risk.

"We are extremely proud that the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has raised over $630 million since 1992.  We are also proud of the 124-year safety record of Avon products."